The Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) has raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation across the country, describing it as alarming and deeply troubling.
In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Professor Hassan Saliu, the association lamented the resurgence of violence and insecurity in various parts of the country, saying Nigerians were once again confronted by a grim reality.
“Reports from states like Benue, Borno, Plateau, and other places in the last few weeks have indicated that Nigerians, who live in these parts of the country, can no longer sleep with their eyes closed because of the renewed insecurity situation.”
The association noted that, until recently, there had been optimism—especially among government officials—that the country was making significant progress in tackling insecurity. However, the latest developments appear to contradict that hope.
The NPSA highlighted several underlying causes of the security challenges, including ungoverned spaces, religious fundamentalism, poverty, external conspiracies, unhealthy political practices, and inter-group tensions. Nonetheless, the association attributed the root of the problem to political exclusion.
“It is observable that instead of energy being focused on making Nigeria safe for her people to live anywhere they choose in the country, politicians’ attention is focused on the 2027 elections, which no one can predict who will witness. This is the time for our politicians to realize that politics only has meaning when the security of the people’s lives is guaranteed. For now, that is not the case.”
Calling for a reorientation of priorities, the NPSA advised that any emergency measures should be directed at tackling insecurity and its agents rather than suspending democratic institutions.
“If the federal government had addressed insecurity seriously, the war declared on it for over two decades would have yielded positive results.”
The group also pointed to the economic impact of insecurity, warning that no foreign investor would risk capital in a country where violence appears to be entrenched.
“For us in the NPSA, the management of the security situation in the country leaves much to be desired; the commitment required to tackle the ever-present insecurity that pervades the land is not being seen. Apart from mouthing about it for over two decades, not much seems to be on the ground to face it head-on.”
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to security agencies to intensify efforts, the association urged him to take more decisive action and verify intelligence reports from multiple credible sources for accuracy.
“For too long, it appears that the agents of instability have more firepower than the military. This narrative is disturbing and warrants immediate attention. Given the staying power of insurgents, bandits, and others, the situation demands a more robust response.”
They also criticised what they described as the monetisation of the security crisis.
“If the president must be told the truth, managing the security situation has become a huge business. Those concerned have been smiling all the way to the bank, reflecting the general environment of plundering public resources for personal gain.”
The statement concluded with a call for national priorities to shift from political ambition to the preservation of lives and property.
“The lives of Nigerians and their property need to be accorded top priority in the country’s governance. We advise that politicians lower their concern for politics and accord priority to securing the country first.”
The NPSA urged the government to engage more Nigerians meaningfully in efforts to address the crisis and ensure the safety and stability of the nation.
